The subject of my choice: Sandro Botticelli

Sandro Botticelli was an Italian painter of the Florentine school during the Early Renaissance (Quatroccento). This movement was characterized as a “golden age”. His posthumous reputation suffered until the late 19th century; since then his work has been seen as the representation of the Early Renaissance painting. His best known works are The Birth of Venus and Primavera.

The masterworks Primavera and The Birth of Venus were both seen by Vasari at the villa of Lorenzo di Pierfrancesco de’ Medici at Castello in the mid-16th century, and until recently, it was assumed that both works were painted specifically for the villa. But recently it has been said that the Primavera was painted for Lorenzo’s townhouse in Florence, and The Birth of Venus was commissioned by someone else for a different place.

In these works, it is clearly seen the influence of Gothic realism, but the subjects are fascinating for their ambiguity. The complex meanings of these paintings attract the attention, focusing on the poetry and philosophy of humanists. The works do not illustrate particular texts, and they possess linear rhythm.

Botticelli never got married, and expressed aversion to the idea of marriage, which gave him nightmares.

It is said that he suffered from love for Simonetta Vespucci, a married noblewoman. According to legend, she had served as the model for The Birth of Venus. However, some modern historians have also examined other aspects of his sexuality.

To conclude, we have to say that Botticelli is now one of the most known artists all over the world, and his paintings are an influence in the work of modern painters. His two most successful works can be seen in Florence, Italy, and I totally recommend it for people who love and enjoy seeing art masterworks.